GT Profile: DesignWorks Collective ‘There are not many companies in our sector that are able to invest in new projects this way, so we’re really excited about partnering with retailers in the UK and Ireland now, to grow again, with real confidence in us as a long-term supplier because of our history in the US’
James Mountfield
DesignWorks Collective Q&A
We catch up with James Mountfield, Sales Director of DesignWorks Collective, to talk about how this trusted American company has now established a direct presence in the UK, offering brilliant brands including Paddywax, DesignWorks Ink and, now, Gentlemen’s Hardware bought in 2020 from Wild & Wolf James, for those who don’t know the company, what is DesignWorks Collective known for? It is recognised as a world-class manufacturer of premium goods in the specialty gifts, home and stationery industries. Headquartered in the design district of Nashville, Tennessee, and privately owned by CEO Joe Moore, we are committed to producing superior quality products and developing new technologies that meet the needs of our customers. We supply to around 7500 independent stores in the US as well as all major national accounts, from Anthropologie, Paper Source, Barnes & Noble, Wholefoods and Nordstrom; but I would say that independents are really at the core of the business and our lifeblood – our core brands live and breathe for this sector.
What brands is DesignWorks best known for in the UK? DWC is perhaps best known for its Paddywax and DesignWorks Ink brands that have been sold internationally via distributors for many years. In 2020 CEO Joe Moore seized on an opportunity to acquire Wild & Wolf’s most prized asset, Gentlemen’s Hardware, as a strategic driver to change business model, internationalise the business and establish a direct presence and infrastructure in the UK, Europe and Australia bringing with it several key senior managers and directors from Wild & Wolf.
How did you make the decision to do this during a pandemic?
Do you plan on setting up a physical HQ?
There’s no better time! As senior management, we share the same view that the outlook for 2021 is very positive, particularly in the UK and for us it’s our time to deliver innovation, bring new brands and product to the markets and invest for the future. There are not many companies in our sector that are able to invest in new projects this way, so we’re really excited about partnering with retailers in the UK and Ireland now, to grow again, with real confidence in us as a long-term supplier because of our history in the US.
Yes. At an operational level, we’re actively looking for premises now in Bath for office space, showroom space and retail. I’m really excited to be launching an incredible new retail concept for candles and home fragrance in the UK & Ireland, and we are starting to explore wholesale partnerships for shop-in-shops and pop-up events in 2022.
What’s your set-up over here?
Immediate plans for the future? At brand level, we have a portfolio of 10 consumer brands and three are our active focus at the moment in the UK & Ireland: Gentlemen’s Hardware, Paddywax and DesignWorks Ink. Today we are really lucky to have a strong nucleus of retail partners in every channel that we are building upon day-by-day through our sales team which I would have to say is the best in the business! We have a team of 17 people that cover Ireland, Scotland, Wales, North West England, North East England, the Midlands, the South West, East Anglia and the Home Counties and South East England.
Over the last six months we have set up a ‘virtual office’ in the UK/Europe with six Commercial & Finance personnel, and five Creative & Product. We retained the services of Wild & Wolf ’s third party logistics for warehousing and distribution of product from the UK, worldwide to every region except North America and Australia/New Zealand. One of our team is based in the Netherlands. He’s had the biggest challenge so far getting orders delivered to Europe, but we have traded pretty well throughout Call: 01225 931322 and now established a company in the Netherlands that will fulfil orders from Email: sales.uk@dw-collective.com a new warehouse in Q3 and Q4.
Visit: designworkscollective.co.uk
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